6 More Weeks of Winter? What About Global Warming?

As you may have heard, our friend Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday. Yes, we're in for 6 more weeks of winter. We all know what that means, shoveling out the driveway, slipping on black ice, and just generally being absolutely freezing all the time. It's not fun (unless you like winter, I suppose). I hear a lot of people complaining "...but what about global warming? Shouldn't we not even have winter at all?" Well, here it is folks:

The cold truth about Global Warming

Before you start to think I'm some crazy conspiracy theorist, that's not the case. Climate change IS happening, it is just misunderstood by the masses. Scientists stress that climate and weather are completely different things. Weather consists of the day-to-day weather conditions while climate consists of the average weather conditions over a long period of time. There may be periods of cold weather but as a whole the average temperature is increasing, thus causing a change in climate. 

So how exactly does global warming work?

Increases in greenhouse gases have cut down on the ozone layer, which is the protective layer between the Earth and the Sun. Due to this, the Arctic has been heating up and the ice and snow are going away and leaving dark blue ocean water. As many know, the Sun is attracted to dark colors so the dark water is heating up quickly. The rapidly heating up water contrasts the icy air in the Arctic which makes a high pressure system; this then swirls and pushes colder-than-usual air down onto the rest of the world.

I know that can be pretty hard to follow but basically, the melting Arctic ice is causing shorter, more intense winters and an overall higher average temperature. 

How to Help

There are a number of different ways to help stop global warming, among which are:

• Reduce the use of fossil fuels by using less energy or alternative energy sources
• Plant trees to offset carbon dioxide emissions from deforestation
• Reduce waste which cuts down on your carbon footprint
• Conserve water to reduce energy used to purify, heat, and distribute it

Remember the next time you're stuck inside because of a huge blizzard or walking around in more layers than you can move in that it is not just a cold day. It is the result of a larger issue. You can do your part to save the planet.